skynight

22 minutes ago, Reader317 said:

Is it realistic to book an excursion (not through the cruise line) for a luau on the second day in Honolulu and make it back to the ship on-time? 

What voyage are you speaking about? As far as I have seen Princess does not overnight in Honolulu. The voyages I have seen arrive at 7am and depart at 11pm same day. I have noticed luaus scheduled for tours that get passengers back to the ship in time for sailing. I don't know if these are private or via the cruise line. 

This is a very popular itinerary. All the Hawaii ports are very nice. You do have to enjoy the sea days, there are 10 of them. The first two to three days sailing out of S.F. usually are cool and the seas can be choppy. Don't forget your sea sick meds. It turns tropical after that. There are many different ways and many different sites to see at the Hawaiian ports. Most require some sort of tour or transport on your own. Expect U.S. costs.

Hilo the main attraction is the active volcano. There is enough time. You either have to rent a car or book a tour. There is also a Hoppa on - Hoppa Off bus right outside the terminal. 

Kahului, Maui it's the same take a tour or rent a car. Whale watching tours are popular. This is where whales hang out in the winter.

Kauai. You can take a short walk to a small shopping area and the beach area and have some food or a drink by the beach, rent a car and drive around or take a tour.

Honolulu is a large city. You are there from 7am until 11pm. Time for tours, luau, tours and so on. If Peral Harbor is on your list be sure to check out the U.S. site on visiting. You either have to book an organized tour or book the visit on your own on line. It is crowded there. Iolani Palace is within walking distance from the pier, about 1/2, 3/4 miles. Look on line for ticket information. 

Onboard will be the Hawaiian experience with the Hawaiian Ambassador program. This includes ukulele instruction for beginners, hula, Hawaiian crafts, culture and nature talks, Hawaiian themed entertainment and more.

I enjoy the Ruby Princess. It is one of the Grand Class ships. I like the design, the full 360 promenade and many of the other features.

S. F., Fisherman's Wharf is a very nice area. 

In a reserve mini suite you will have a dedicated DR. Fairly certain it is a section of the Estrella DR, deck 6 mid ship. This is walk in dining with prompt seating improved service, and some additional dinner menu items. The DR is open for breakfast and dinner each day and lunch on sea days. Closed for lunch on port days.

Venues like the World Fresh Market Place (buffet) open around 6am for breakfast and remain open throughout the day until closing late evening. It never closes. Selections change throughout the day. Visit any time. The International Cafe on deck 5 is open 24/7 serving a variety of comfort selections as well as specialty coffees and teas. There are some casual venues, Alfredo's, is just one example. These are included in the premier fares, plus fare passengers receive to included casual meals, for others there is a $15 charge. Some are open for lunch, some dinner only. There is also specialty dining, such as the Crown Grill. Book in advance on line. Included with the premier fare, otherwise a charge.

I don't think it is possible to plan breakfast & lunch each day. It's just best make decisions based upon when you wake up and what your plans become for each day.  

I did not see this activity in Feb/Mar 2024.

Normally boarding does begin around 11am first with priority boarders then everyone else Do be prepared to wait. I currently have 6 Princess cruises booked. I have noticed that the app spouts out 12:30 on all of them, even when I know that the times are usually between 10:30 & 11am. I think it's just boiler plate programmed in the app. 

From experience on many Princess voyages I bring bar soap for the shower. I found that the soap needs to be flat on one side to 'stick' on the soap shelf and not slide off with the movement of the ship. Way back Princess used to provide bar soap. Many women with full hair bring their own shampoo & conditioner. Some also bring their own hair dryers. There is a hair dryer in the cabin that does work.

There is also a bottle of body lotion which I find to be quite nice.

You did not ask, but there is a self service laundry on each passenger deck. It's $3 wash, $3 dry. There are vending machines where you purchase the tokens using your medallion. You can also purchase dryer sheets and soap. Many people pack their own. If you are in a full (not mini) suite then you will receive no charge, next day laundry service as part of the full suite benefits. 

Not allowed. They have to be able to fit through the cabin door and are not permitted to be left outside the cabin at anytime

Agree with posts 2 & 3. Depending on the ship there are limited tables, if any, that can handle 10. My experience with large tables = slow service & limited conversation ability.

Can't you just go to passenger services and ask for a printed copy or one of the kiosks? Seems to me if you have unidentified postings you would have to visit passenger services anyway.

18 hours ago, carbon said:

What are the perks of being Princess platinum?

Everything included in Gold, Ruby & Platinum

https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/cc/captains-circle-loyalty-benefits.pdf

17 hours ago, carbon said:

What is the current cost of cocktails in the lounge?

What cocktail? They range menu priced from around just under $10 to over $20. There are plenty $15 or less, and another bunch from $15 to $20. If you do not have a package there is an 18% service charge added to the menu price. Drinks covered by the packages include the service charge. 

It is basically a cruise ship port stuck out on a long peninsula with some of the normal shops you see around them. It is basically a port that provides you the opportunity to book tours of Panama City, as well as other sites in Panama. 

12 hours ago, walkingsoon said:

"Charging for tendering?"

 

Not yet, but good idea. Probably now being considered.

It's a terrible marketing idea. One main reason people book cruises is for the ports they visit. If a cruise line is going to charge extra beyond the fare for advertised ports that would have a very negative impact on the line's ability to attract customers, especially when other lines would not be charging. 

Check in whenever you arrive. No requirements to check in together. When cabin is ready whoever is on board can go there. 

Something does not sound correct. Let's wait. If there is a charge for the tender service I'm certain it will hit these and other boards heavy.

It is correct for certain US ports where State laws apply. 

This site will provide you with all the information you require regarding Coral Princess balconies

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/Princess/odell/res76zxu/princessbalconies/index.html

Once inside the final payment period the Future Cruise Deposit becomes money and is part of the payment. Any refund for cancellation inside the final payment period is handled by the rules set up in the Passage Contract and the travel insurance.

I assume you will be heading to the Caribbean. Most ports have stores selling alcoholic beverages. The biggest difference is the Federal alcohol tax. Many times the bottles are 1 liter vs the 750 ml available at my local store. Know your prices in advance. 

I always stay at the Embassy Suites on SE 17th St. There are also a number of other hotels on or near 17th St. They are all near restaurants, shopping. 

No obstructed balconies. You will be assigned a cat. BF or higher. 

If you are on a Royal Class ship then there is a gelato bar in the Piazza. On the Sun gelato is available on deck 7. Grand Class ships may or may not have gelato. I did not see it on the Ruby this year.

I saw the cakes at the International Cafe. You order and it is delivered to you from a kitchen area.

I saw those candied sundaes at coffee & cones.

You can also order items on the Ocean Now app.

Except for the gelato doubtful you be able to even consume more than a few selections for an entire cruise. 

I don't quite understand your question.  All you need to do is scan your medallion to purchase one washer token and one dryer token. Nothing else. You do not need to purchase dryer sheets and soap from the vending machines if you have your own.  

Go to the Princess.com website. Select Onboard Our Ships, Caribbean Princess, Deck Plans.

"I" means interior cabin. The 2nd letter is "A" through "F". The letters indicate what Princess believes to be a cabin in a better location. This is usually on a higher deck and closer to mid ship. "A" is better than "B" and so on.

You most likely wish to eliminate cabins that can accommodate a third and 4th person. On the deck plan web site select under guests "3". This will allow you to see all cabins that at least hold three passengers. You can note these and select those not highlighted. You also probably wish to have a cabin the is NOT connected with an inside door. You can see these by checking the connecting cabin box.

What remains are two berth cabins. Beds in these cabins can be placed into the twin or queen configuration.

When you select a cabin in the deck plans and click on it a photo and diagram will be available. If there are any special notes they will also show as a printed note. 

Usually no special deals for future cruises. I purchase future cruise deposits (FCDs). They are $100 each and fully refundable. They can be used anytime up to one year from purchase and are the full deposit for the booked cruise (world cruises excepted). When used OBC is added to your booking. Amounts depend on the length of the cruise and the category of cabin. FCDs are individual. If you are a couple you have to purchase one or more in each name. 

If you do book on board you can:

a) receive the same benefits as an FCD

b) Can have your booking transferred to a T.A.

c) They do sometimes have good pricing on specific voyages. It does not hurt to ask.

I do prefer to just purchase the FCDs and then wait until I am home to search out the trips when I am not on a cruise high. 

Yes, Princess will do this. It probably would be best if you selected traditional dining where you have the same table and same waiters each evening. Yes you can order from the youth menu.